Fiber to bring better connectivity to Cebuanos
Cebuanos may soon expect faster internet connectivity and better voice and SMS service through fiber optic cable technology as the Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) has reached Mactan Island.
PDSCN is a joint project of leading digital solutions platform Globe and its partners Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN, Inc. It aims to improve mobile and broadband connectivity in the country and fiberize previously unserved areas.
The partners marked another milestone as they deployed fiber cables in Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan, Cebu as part of the country’s longest submarine fiber cable network.
The submarine cable connection came from Palompon Leyte before it reached Mactan and is the 10th landing point of the massive subsea project.
Arlene Jallorina, Globe Vice President shares Globe’s thrust to provide #1stWorldNetwork
“Our thrust is to provide a #1stWorldNetwork, and we hope this helps enable the country in its aspiration to be the next internet hub in Asia. As we expand as a digital solutions platform, we want Globe to be internationally recognized so we can encourage more investments into our country in line with our mission to see a nation admired,” said Arlene Jallorina, Vice President for Strategic Infrastructure Investments for Globe Business, Enterprise Group.
“This is the benefit of a multi-stakeholder partnership. Globe, in collaboration with like-minded organizations, is able to provide stronger connectivity services that can improve customer experience and contribute to the country’s digitalization,” she added, thanking partners Eastern Communications and InfiniVAN, Inc. for the diligent collaboration to see the project through.
Constantine “Ting” Serafica, Globe Vice President for Transport Network Division, likened the subsea cable network to a super highway that will connect all existing gateways in Cebu, including San Remigio in the northern part of Cebu, Talisay, Toledo, and Mactan.
“Now, the next step is to build the web towards the cell sites or to Filipino homes. This is what we call points of interconnection. The goal is to establish a wide network that our customers can benefit from, which is why we value the full support of our partners and local government units (LGUs),” said Serafica.
Lapu-Lapu City Vice Mayor Celsi Sitoy, meanwhile, vowed support for the project as he cited how PDSCN aligns with the LGU’s agenda in helping to uplift the quality of life in the region.
Lapu-Lapu City Vice Mayor Celsi Sitoy talks about the benefits of fiber connectivity in Cebu
“The thrust of the Lapu-Lapu City Government is to make this city a premier tourist city in the Philippines. We have to be connected not only to the entire Cebu Province but also to the entire nation, including our neighbors from afar and abroad. The entry of this project can really help our cause and programs,” said Sitoy.
PDSCN is envisioned to deliver inclusive connectivity crucial to economic recovery and growth. It supports various needs of the government, businesses, consumers, and different sectors amid a growing shift to digital platforms.
A cross section of the PDSCN double-armored fiber optic cable
It is part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UN SDG No. 9, which highlights the roles of infrastructure and innovation as crucial drivers of economic growth and development, and SDG No. 17, which emphasizes the value of partnerships to achieve sustainable development.
Before Mactan, PDSCN reached 9 other sites: Lucena City, Quezon, Boac, Marinduque, Calatrava, Romblon, Placer, Masbate, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Roxas City, Siargao, Surigao del Norte, and Palompon, Leyte.
PDSCN covers a total cable distance of roughly 2,500 kilometers. The cable was sourced from global fiber optic cable maker Nexans Norway AS, while Japanese vendor partner Kokusai Cable Ship Co. Ltd. (KCS) together with the other technical vendor partners Fleet Marine Cable Solutions, Inc. (FMCS), SJA Business Consultancy & Liaison Services and Kyotosh Engineering Services were tapped to bring the cable across the archipelago.
Globe, Eastern Communications, InfiniVAN Inc and LGU partners
The $150-million project kicked off on July 14 this year at the Subic Bay in Zambales, where KCS’ state-of-the-art ship Cable Infinity started its journey to land cables in 24 segments over nine months. It is expected to be completed in April 2023.
